The “Museums for All” initiative is one of the best-kept secrets in family travel. Administered by the Association of Children’s Museums and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, this program ensures that families receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits) are never priced out of world-class cultural institutions.

By simply presenting your EBT card, your family can gain free or deeply discounted admission (typically capping at $3 per person) to over 1,600 museums, zoos, and historic sites across the country.

How the Program Works

The process is incredibly straightforward. You do not need to register for a separate program or fill out any paperwork. When you arrive at a participating venue, you simply show your physical SNAP EBT card along with a matching government-issued photo ID. The discount typically covers the cardholder and up to three additional guests (four people total).

Note: You do not actually pay the admission fee with your EBT card. You use the card strictly as proof of eligibility, and you can pay any remaining balance (like a $3 ticket fee) with cash or a standard credit card.

Participating Venues on Our Directory

Several of the major destinations featured on our site participate in this program or offer their own identical SNAP-based access programs:

• 9/11 Memorial & Museum (NYC)
• The Bronx Zoo (NYC)
• The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum (NYC)
• Liberty Science Center (Jersey City, NJ)
• Brooklyn Children’s Museum (NYC)
• Battleship New Jersey (NJ)
• Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania (Strasburg, PA)
• Please Touch Museum (Philadelphia, PA)
• Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site (Philadelphia, PA)
• Longwood Gardens (Kennett Square, PA)
• And Many Many More…

Chol Hamoed Pro-Tips

• Check Online Booking Rules: While many museums allow you to walk up and show your EBT card at the ticketing desk, high-demand venues (like the Bronx Zoo and 9/11 Memorial Museum) often require you to reserve your tickets online in advance and select an “EBT/SNAP” ticket tier. You then show the card at the gate.
• General Admission Only: The discount applies strictly to basic entry. It usually does not cover special ticketed exhibitions, parking, planetarium shows, or IMAX movies.
• Out-of-State Cards: The Museums for All program is a national initiative. Most participating venues will honor an EBT card issued by any state, not just their home state.